Neighborson Watch

By Sarah Mortensen

One night in a Vancouver grocery store parking lot, Tom Kent and his wife, Jan, sat in their car observing their surroundings. As they watched people coming and going, they noticed some drivers parked but did not exit their cars or enter the store. Together, they came up with possible plausible explanations of why someone would stop in a grocery store parking lot if they didn’t need to shop. The Kents had been taught this exercise during a special training focused on observing what is out of place and why—part of becoming Neighbors on Watch (NOW) volunteers with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). A core principle of NOW training teaches that there are no suspicious persons, only suspicious behaviors. The exercise the Kents were taught is meant to challenge their observation skills. As they took turns writing down vehicle descriptions, they noticed two vehicles do a driver-to-driver hand off, then one car quickly left. This was exactly the kind of suspicious behavior they were on the watch for. “We called it in to our dispatch, giving them vehicle descriptions and plates for both cars,” remembers Kent. “VPD response arrived in less than a minute. Questioning the teens in the parked car, VPD learned that they had purchased illegal drugs from a woman [who] sold drugs to high school students. Using the [vehicle description] information eventually led to the arrest of a mid-level dealer and the seizure of drugs, money and weapons.”

The NOW program was introduced to VPD in 2008 under Chief Clifford Cook, who served 2007-2012. Fifteen years later, some volunteers who have been helping since the beginning are still on watch. “[NOW volunteers] serve as a bridge between the department and the community and help VPD build meaningful connections,” explains Jordan Macfarlane, police volunteer coordinator with VPD. “They contribute to VPD’s communitybased policing philosophy—community safety is a team effort.”

As a highly visible, but nonconfrontational presence in Vancouver (especially at large community events such as Vancouver Farmers Market), NOW volunteers help make the City of Vancouver safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Like the Kents, many NOW volunteers are retired residents who want to help their community. The Kents say the two main reasons they decided to volunteer was first, “to proactively show support for the police,” and second, “to have a greater understanding of Vancouver and gain awareness skills.” However, the part they “unexpectedly” enjoy most is engaging with other like-minded volunteers who are “willing to step up and help make things better,” shares Kent. “Our participation over the years has resulted in several friendships.” continued on next page

Neighbors on Watch Stats:

• 2008-2023 value of volunteer time: $2.9 million (source: independentsector.org)

• 154 stolen vehicles/plates identified by volunteers since 2018

• 2,000+ vehicles identified as Vancouver residents with unregistered Washington plates (of those vehicles, nearly 50% changed their plates after receiving a flyer and letter from volunteers)

• Volunteers observed and reported hand-to-hand drug deal; search warrant obtained, 15 guns, cocaine, mushrooms and $21K drug proceeds recovered.

• 2,200+ reported volunteer hours for 2023 as of May 25.

• 70+ current NOW volunteers continued from previous page

After completing the initial training academy, NOW volunteers continue to learn new skills from police officers who teach classes on a variety of public safety topics. “The monthly briefings have included CPR refresher classes, fentanyl and Narcan explanations, personal safety tips in physical confrontations and how to be a good witness,” shares Kent. Macfarlane adds, “And they become experts of Vancouver’s roadways, layout and landmarks. This is a fantastic program to join whether you are a lifelong resident or have just moved to the area.”

NOW volunteers self-select four hours of service per month or 12 hours per quarter. Roles include vehicle, walking and bike patrols, mentors for other volunteers, call out team and base operator. “While our main function is to serve as the extra eyes and ears for police during community patrols, we also have long and shortterm projects to suit all skills and physical abilities. [There are] sign-ups for administrative projects, outreach events, trainings and meetings,” explains Macfarlane. VPD support includes things like intra-office mail delivery and patrol fleet detailing team. If you have a desire to support the VPD, Macfarlane will help you choose what best fits your interests and abilities. For example, the base operator role works entirely from home (with a radio checked out from the precinct).

Though NOW volunteers work to support public safety, a byproduct of their time is the morale boost they give to police officers who typically deal with people who are not happy to see them. Kent notices when an officer walks into the precinct, gets a friendly greeting from a NOW volunteer and their “game-face” comes off. He recalls that it took a few years after the program began to build relationships between the officers and volunteers, but today there is a definite respect. The entire VPD views volunteers as part of the team. During a training after Kent had called in the parking lot drug deal, a patrol officer awarded him with the “Observer of the Year Award” symbolized by a pair of Dollar Tree binoculars spray painted gold.

If you are interested in joining the team, visit CityofVancouver.us/ police/page/neighbors-watch-now-program for more information and to complete an application. Volunteers must pass a background check, be over age 21, have a valid Washington driver’s license and live in Vancouver city limits. The 6-week, 28-hour training academy is held twice a year with graduation dates in May and October. Applications are now being accepted for NOW Academy #24, which will take place September 21-October 26, 2023.

Sarah Mortensen holds a degree in marriage and family studies and works for Vancouver Public Schools as a paraeducator in addition to her role as associate editor of Vancouver Family Magazine. When Sarah is not reading to her kids or students, she is probably in her backyard taking care of her garden. She also enjoys hiking, hot chocolate and dressing up for Halloween. She lives in Vancouver with her husband, son and daughter.